Kawaun Jakes was a standout for St. Augustine High School and a standout in college at Western Kentucky. Now, Kawaun Jakes is getting his chance to be a standout in the NFL.

In a two-year span for the Yellow Jackets, Jakes led them to a regional final as a junior and a 2007 state championship appearance in his only full year as a starter in his senior year. After signing with Western Kentucky, Jakes’ career took off. He started in all four of his years, racking up 7,538 passing yards with 51 touchdowns and 791 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns.

After the draft, his future was uncertain, but then something exciting happened: the Jacksonville Jaguars called him and asked if he would come try out.

“Coach (Frank) Scelfo called me and told me that (the Jaguars) would like to come try me out,” Jakes said. “I was so happy at that moment, everything turned into a blur and all the possibilities started going through my head.”

Since the Jaguars signed two quarterbacks as rookie free agents, it will be hard for Jakes to make the final roster. The odds against him do not bother him at all.

“I am a positive believer. My opportunities and reps might not be as much as Jordan (Rodgers) or Matt (Scott), but the time I’m in there I’m going to try to execute what I have to do so if someone were to watch my film they’d know I was taking advantage of my opportunities,” he said.

For any player in any sport, the object is to get to the highest level of competition. Now that he is in camp with the Jaguars, Jakes is appreciating his opportunity and feeling lucky.

“I’m enjoying my time. I’m soaking it all up,” he said. “I’m learning as much football as possible and asking as many questions as possible. Not very many guys get to do this and it’s pretty special that I get to experience this.”

On Saturday, the weather conditions were not favorable for the players. A steady rain fell throughout the practice, compounded by a strong breeze. For guys who have not practiced in nearly four months, these conditions can hinder their abilities. Even though it was tough, Jakes does not mind the weather.

“We just have to focus in more so we can throw the passes more accurately for our receivers to catch them,” he said. “With the weather like this, everyone needs to step up a level. You live with it. Its football so you’re going to play in all kinds of conditions.”

The fact that he has been given this opportunity by his hometown team could not make him any happier.

“I was always joking with my friends saying ‘The Jaguars are going to draft you.’ Now it is crazy because I was the one telling everyone else about the Jaguars and they picked me up,” he said. “I live 20 minutes away and now I get to play for the team I grew up loving. It’s awesome.”

Jakes is now in graduate school at Western Kentucky and is getting his degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching. For a while, however, he will put down the books and continue to pursue his football career, something that he believes is just starting.

“I am embracing the challenge. My goal is to make the team and get better every day,” Jakes said. “I want to try to do everything right and hope for the best.”